Sabbath is a happy day!
Unfortunately many of our children do not agree. They look at Sabbath as a day of don'ts instead of a day that should be looked forward to all week. Every Sabbath should be unforgettable. Sabbaths arc days to make memories. If you have trouble thinking of ways to make Sabbath special to your children, read on for kid-tested ideas that your children will love.
Treasure Hunt
A sundown surprise treasure hunt is always a big hit. You will need 6 small pieces of paper. The questions or clues are written on the paper.
First Card: Happy Sabbath! Today we want to think about creation. On your way to the refrigerator in the kitchen, imitate you favorite animal in sound and motion. Look into the fridge. You'll find the second card there.
Second Card: Very good! God created the world in six days. Clap your hands 6 times. lump up 6 times, then run to the piano. The third card will be waiting for you.
Third Card: Exercise is important for staying healthy. Do 3 sit-ups, 5 jumping jacks, then touch your toes 10 times while keeping your legs straight. Now run to the washing machine to find the fourth card.
Fourth Card: Proper food is important. Quickly say: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" five times. Look for the fifth card in the mirrored closet in the hall.
Fifth Card: We hear birds sing every day as they praise God. Name 3 of your favorite birds and tell why you like them. Now go to your parents' bedroom and look under your mother's pillow. There you will find the last card.
Sixth Card: I wish you a particularly happy Sabbath. You will find your Sabbath surprise in the biggest pot in the kitchen. (You don't have to have big presents to make children happy. Erasers, cookies or stickers are sure to bring smiles to your children's faces.)
Picture Box
Fill a box with dried leaves, feathers, stones, etc. You and your children work together to create a picture. While you are making the collage talk about the Creator with your children. This is a great bonding activity.
Ruby Punch
Children love special treats. We have Ruby Punch every Friday night. Boil 2 liters of water and add the following ingredients: 7 teabags of hibiscus tea, 5 teabags of peppermint tea, 5 teabags of chamomile tea, 5 bags of Christmas punch spice, 1 liter of apple juice, liter of orange juice, liter of pineapple juice, and honey to taste. Light a Sabbath candle and enjoy the delicious punch as you talk of Christ's wonderful blessings.
Prayer Time
Make prayer time come alive. Fasten a big sheet of paper on your fridge so that your children will alv.-ays see it. Draw or write your own prayer request on the sheet. Let your children do the same for their prayer requests. With another color, draw or write the answers to your prayer requests as they're answered. This will show your children how God takes care of your fives. Discuss the different ways God answers prayers. This can also be done by making a prayer request book. Be sure you and your children thank God for His answers.
Sabbath Afternoon Activities
Have your children help you make play-dough. Mix 2 cups of smooth flour with 1 cup of salt, 2 cups of water, l tablespoon of oil, and 2 teaspoons of lemon essence. Add a few drops of food coloring to color the dough. After combining all the ingredients, heat the mixture until it becomes a thick dough that will not stick to your fingers. Take the dough out, spread it in a pan, and kneed a little more flour into it. The dough can be kept for a long time in tightly closed plastic containers. Use the play-dough to form figures for Biblical stories.
Bible games
Bible games can also be made. Make a Bible Memory game by drawing cards that belong together. For example, draw Esau (with bow and arrow) on one card and Jacob (in a tent) on another. Other suggestions are: Raven and Elijah; Cain (with fruit) and Abel (with a lamb); and David and Goliath
Puzzles
Make puzzles from Bible pictures. Draw and color a picture, then glue it to a sheet of cardboard. Cut the cardboard into little pieces, then put your puzzle together again.
Tablemats and Bookmarks
Tablemats are fun and easy to make. Glue pretty pressed flowers to cardboard sheets. Cover with transparent self-adhesive foil. Bookmarks can also be made this way.
Bible dramas
Take turns acting out Bible stories. Use props from around the house.
Musicals
Plan a musical Sabbath afternoon. Make Maracas out of empty plastic bottles filled with rice, corn, or small stones. Take a long carpenter's nail and attach it to your finger. Use another nail to hit it with, and you've made a musical triangle. Fill a row of bottles or glasses with different amounts of water, and you have a great set of chimes. Just tap the glasses with a wooden spoon to hear different notes. Castanets can be made from two coconut halves.
Adopt a grandparent
Adopt a grandparent from your church or neighborhood. Share your Sabbath afternoon activities with that person. Make his or her Sabbath a happy Sabbath too!
Finger paint
Make finger paint by mixing 2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 2 cups of cold water. Pour this mixture into 2 cups of boiling water and continue to boil until the mixture becomes thick. Add food coloring to color the paint. Let the paint cool and your children can spend a fun afternoon painting pictures of God's second Bible.
Dolls
Dolls can he made from toilet paper rolls. Dress the dolls in clothes made from left-over wool and fabric scraps. Use crumpled tissue to form the head, Use your dolls in a puppet theater.
Sabbaths can be fun and memorable days. Remember, God rejoices in the laughter of children. Happy Sabbath!
